Posted September 10, 2026 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, 2021
B.A. University of Denver, 2025
We recently caught up with 2021 alum, Elisabeth Hoyen. From starting at Lawrence in fourth grade to graduating from the University of Denver, learn how her journey shaped her future career goals!
What grade did you start at Lawrence?
I started at Lawrence in fourth grade. Before then, I actually couldn’t read or write, so Lawrence truly changed my life for the better. They supported me and taught me that it’s okay to be different, that you shouldn’t be ashamed, and that no one learns the exact same way.
Walk us through your path after graduating from Lawrence. What have you been up to, where did you go to school, and what did you get your degree in?
I attended the University of Denver in Colorado and graduated with a degree in psychology and a minor in wellness. Since then, I’ve moved back to Cleveland and am working on my master's certificate to become a child life specialist. They work in hospitals to help kids feel more comfortable and prepare them for procedures. It’s an online program, but last summer I was fortunate to complete a practicum at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, which was an amazing opportunity.
What was it about your time at Lawrence that inspired you to pursue a career in that field?
The community was so great, and I was surrounded by so many amazing people and teachers. I truly wanted to give back. In college, I participated in a mentoring program for kids who learn differently—it was formerly Eye to Eye, but now it's The Neurodiversity Alliance. I recruited people from the University of Denver. We went into a middle school once a week to do art projects involving different aspects of learning differences. That really inspired me to work with children, though not necessarily in a teaching realm.
How did you know the University of Denver was the right fit for you after leaving Lawrence?
If I’m being completely honest, I totally went out of my comfort zone. They have a really good program for kids with learning differences called the Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP). It’s a support system kind of like Lawrence, but built into college. I met with an academic counselor once a week, and they had built-in tutoring, which truly helped me succeed. Having another support system like Lawrence in college was amazing. If I needed help scheduling office hours or needed that extra push to get things done, they were there to help me.
What was the campus like, and were you involved in any other activities?
The mentoring program was my main focus, but I was also in the sorority Chi Omega. Additionally, I was in a finger-painting club once a week, which was super fun, and I participated in Letters of Love, where we wrote letters for patients in the hospital. On the weekends, I would go skiing. They had the Alpine Club, where you could sign up for backcountry ski trips. I personally just enjoyed going skiing every weekend in the winter.
How did Lawrence help prepare you for college?
The number one thing was advocacy—I truly learned how to advocate for myself by talking to teachers and telling them my needs. When I studied abroad in Florence for four months during my junior year, they hadn’t really dealt with someone with learning differences who needed accommodations. If it wasn’t for Lawrence, I wouldn’t have known to talk to the dean of students, advocate for myself, and succeed there. Even at the University of Denver, I didn’t get my accommodations my first quarter, but working with the foundation I built at Lawrence, we were able to get them sorted out. Advocacy was definitely the biggest thing.
What sparked your decision to study abroad?
The University of Denver is known for its study abroad programs—people actually choose the school for that. Going abroad was outside my comfort zone, so I just decided to go for it. Denver had a really big program based in Florence. It was beautiful and amazing. I got to travel to so many different countries, see new places, and make a foreign city feel like home. I visited a year later and went to all my favorite restaurants; knowing such a big city so well is a really special feeling.
What was the biggest culture shock you experienced in Florence?
The language barrier was one of the major cultural shocks. Additionally, I experienced reverse culture shock coming back home. Not having things be walkable was weird. At Denver, we took a prep class before going abroad where they warned us about reverse culture shock, and I remember thinking, “That can’t be a real thing.” But I totally experienced it. Florence taught me how to be balanced, enjoy life, and be in the moment. Work isn’t always the most important thing—community and connecting with people are.
Since you started in fourth grade, you got to experience both the Lower and Upper campuses. What are some of your favorite memories from Lawrence?
When I was little, field days were my favorite. For the Upper School, I was part of the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI). Even though our time was cut short because of COVID, those trips to Connecticut and New Mexico were amazing, unforgettable, and powerful. Experiencing those trips showed me I could step out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to move to Denver. My class was super close, and I still talk to some of them today, which is really special.
Another favorite memory was Mrs. Galambos’s ASL class our senior year. It was during COVID, so we were wearing masks and keeping our distance, but we were always laughing and engaged. She did an excellent job bringing us together—including the students tuning in online—while still keeping the learning fun.
What was it like wrapping up your final years at Lawrence while planning your next steps during a global pandemic?
It was challenging, but I’m so thankful we were able to go back in person. My mom is an infectious disease pediatrician and was actually one of the people pushing for schools across Northeast Ohio to reopen safely. Having that in-person experience made things so much easier because we could engage with other students and rely on our faculty for support. They did their best to keep things as normal as possible. Graduation was outside in the pouring rain, which I’ll never forget!
How did your experiences and relationships at Lawrence shape the person you are today?
The teachers and staff were so supportive. I’ve never felt so supported and pushed at the same time to be a better person and learner. Being around peers who also learned differently was incredibly important because we understood each other without judgment. We were all there to learn and become better people, and that was largely due to the support system created by the staff. Lawrence truly impacted my life for the better and will forever be a major part of who I am.
What advice would you give to a new Lawrence student?
Be yourself, be open-minded, and remember that everything is going to be okay. It might feel scary walking into a new classroom where it seems like everyone already knows each other, but the community is super welcoming and kind. You will find your people, even if it doesn’t happen overnight. My favorite quote is, “Everything happens for a reason.”
I’ll never forget my first day. I walked into Ms. Moss’s classroom as the only new student, and everyone immediately greeted me and made me feel welcome. That tight-knit community and the one-on-one time with teachers is something really unique, and it was actually something I missed when I first transitioned to college.
If you could go back and tell your high school self one thing about the future, what would it be?
Don’t stress—everything happens for a reason, and it’s all going to work out the way it needs to.
When you think of the word Lawrence, what is the first word or feeling that comes to mind?
Community. Having that tight-knit environment and support system—and of course, the slogan “Great minds don’t think alike” always comes to mind.
What do you like to do in your free time to unwind when you’re not studying or working?
I love Pilates, which I discovered in Denver, and going to yoga. I also love taking walks with my dog and hanging out with friends and family. Since moving back, my friend and I have really enjoyed exploring the Cleveland food scene and trying new restaurants.
Fast-forwarding five years from now, where would you like to see yourself professionally or personally?
I would love to be certified as a Child Life Specialist—that is one of my main goals for the near future. I’d also love to potentially explore living in a new city, though I don’t have a specific one in mind just yet.